Bandar Jissah closes in Muscat Oman

It was in 1986 that I first ventured into Bandar Jissah (often called Qantab Beach) in Muscat, along the dirt track which wound down the wadi towards I knew not, but the grand scenery was draw enough.

I found the beach, in an amphitheatre of mountains cascading into the sea, and from it I have swum since then.

Bandar Jissah Beach

Yesterday was probably the last time as the notice boards at that magical entrance clearly say that I am not authorised to enter, as the site has now become private and is being redeveloped by a real estate developer.

Bandar Jissah Entrance

Since I swam in the morning, as usual, I was alone in that place of enchantment,

Bandar Jissah Area Cleaner

except for the man who keeps the area reasonably clean. He had little to do, for the no entry boards had been up for days and those unauthorized kept away.

So I was serenaded from his mobile phone to the song from the film ‘Saajan’ “Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai” “कैसे मेरा दिल पागल है ” .